The long-awaited start to the 2025 National Cross Country Championship saw the Husqvarna Racing team making a bold statement as they charged into the season with back-to-back victories. After the initial round was postponed due to extreme weather conditions, the team was eager to hit the track - and they did so in a dominant fashion.

Davin Cocker and Luke Walker both clinched first place in their respective classes, setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season.

Cocker, coming off a championship-winning season in 2024, wasted no time in showcasing his intent to defend his title in the Open Class. Leading the way from the start after a strong time trial, he controlled the race from the front, despite the lingering muddy conditions. "The race was still very muddy, but I enjoyed it a lot. It was interesting to see how the track formed throughout the day, and I am happy with a strong race for the day" Cocker shared.

Walker, also entering the season as a defending champion, delivered a solid and composed ride to secure the top spot in the OR3 class. "It was a good start to the season, and I’m excited for what’s to come," he commented after the race.

With both riders carrying championship momentum into 2025, the Husqvarna Racing team has made it clear that they are here to stay at the top. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cocker and Walker as they look to maintain their winning ways and keep the competition chasing.

Stay tuned as the team gears up for the next round, ready to take on whatever the season throws their way.

Words: Bill Hunter.

So we’ve now covered over 600km since the Avenis was born. Obviously it’s still ‘running in’ so we need a few more kilometers before the first 1000km service. Up until now the best top speed I’ve seen is 112km/h, which I’m sure will increase as time goes on, we will see… 

I did mention in the previous report about the magic 50km-per-litre when ridden with a ‘limp wrist’, shall we say. However when ridden hard, which one tends to do on a 125 scooter, I managed to get to 218km on one tank full of fuel (it holds 5.2 litres), still extremely impressive. One word of advice, if you own one of these, is that the final block on the fuel gauge never goes away, so don’t wait for it to do so or you’ll end up at the side of the road with a frown like a ploughed field. Interestingly when the fuel gets ultra low it gets hard to start, turning over more times than it usually does, due to the fuel pump ‘scavenging’ for fuel, seeing as it’s fuel-injected, just thought I’d pass that on.

Anyway, I can’t remember having so much legroom on any small scooter, which allows for any six-foot tall rider to easily slip into the foot well. This space has not one but two hooks to catch a shopping bag, which you can see as we’ve used some chunky cushions to show the wealth of space. Under the seat is another large space that is ideal to carry a large stuffed cat or a multitude of groceries and a small donkey, or a medium sized one if you remove all the tins.

Now that’s already a lot of storage/carrying capacity, but if you also put on a backpack you’ll be able to carry enough provisions to feed an Ethiopian village for five years, perhaps? You see where I’m coming from though because the Avenis 125 is one very superior shopping device on all counts, and then some.

It’s also a very cool way to take your pet out for a ride; we used a toy one for legal purposes, enjoying many complimentary waves and smiles in the process, or maybe I misread the hand gestures? Either way it’s an extremely good looking and fun way to get around town, or to go anywhere for that matter. An ideal companion for so many reasons to have in your garage, no matter what bike, or bikes, you already have. 

Images: Gym Judge.

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for dealer locations – then go and buy one, today!

24/03/25

Yamaha has just landed two new interesting models for 2025. Without doubt the most ‘interesting’ is the all-new MT-09 Y-AMT with automatic transmission. We especially like this matt grey version with turquoise wheels.

Oh yes, the MT-09 now receives a fully automatic transmission, which can be used in a fully automatic mode, or by changing gear using the ‘paddle’ buttons on the left side switch gear. Yamaha SA has recently announced the price of R259, 950. Linex Yamaha already has a demo unit if you’d like to try out this new bike.

Also, the vastly updated 2025 MT-07 is now here for you to buy, with a retail price of R179, 950. It certainly looks the part in this new black colour option, don’t you agree?

Get in touch with your local Yamaha dealer for more information and availability, or, visit Linex Yamaha in Jo’burg to see both the bikes in ‘person’ and book a test ride today. 

www.yamaha.co.za   www.linex.co.za (011 259 7600)

06/02/25